In that same video, he gave a nod to Lautenberg. The incumbent has given no indication that he plans to do anything other than run for re-election in 2014.

“As I explore a run for the United States Senate, I look forward to consulting with Sen. Frank Lautenberg. It would be a privilege and honor to continue his legacy of service.”

But the hang up is that Lautenberg has yet to announce his retirement, and political observers in New Jersey politics are evenly split on whether he will step aside. As it stands, Booker’s move could foreshadow a primary challenge. Booker had previously considered challenging Republican Gov. Chris Christie.

Updated 9:41 p.m. | Lauenberg spokesman Caley Gray released a statement saying that the senator will address his 2014 plans in the new year.

“Senator Lautenberg is focused on passing a critical disaster relief bill for New Jersey and addressing America’s broken gun laws. The last several months and weeks have been a painful time for New Jersey and America and the Senator is working on the tough issues we face. This is not the time for political distractions and the Senator will address politics next year.”